3.6 drivetrain

Chain Installation (Pressing a Pin)

Chain Installation (Pressing a Pin). Step-by-step procedure for bike maintenance — tools, time, and what to watch out for.

Difficulty ★★☆ moderate
Time ~10 min
Applies to All bikes

Tools

  • Chain tool
  • replacement pin (Shimano-style requires a special pin per chain speed)

Procedure

  1. Insert the new pin

    into the open ends of the chain by hand.

  2. Mount in the chain tool

    with the new pin aligned with the tool's drive pin.

  3. Press the pin in

    by turning the handle slowly.

  4. Stop when the pin protrudes equally on both sides

    of the outer plates. Use a vernier or eyeball — should be flush both sides.

  5. For Shimano pins:

    snap off the long pilot end with pliers. The remaining pin is the correct length.

  6. Check the link flexes freely.

    If it's stiff, hold the chain on either side of the joined link and gently flex side-to-side until it loosens. ---

Procedure #

  1. Insert the new pin into the open ends of the chain by hand.
  2. Mount in the chain tool with the new pin aligned with the tool’s drive pin.
  3. Press the pin in by turning the handle slowly.
  4. Stop when the pin protrudes equally on both sides of the outer plates. Use a vernier or eyeball — should be flush both sides.
  5. For Shimano pins: snap off the long pilot end with pliers. The remaining pin is the correct length.
  6. Check the link flexes freely. If it’s stiff, hold the chain on either side of the joined link and gently flex side-to-side until it loosens.